Identity Theft and Online Fraud
What phishing scams target people who have recently lost someone?
Short answer
Fake emails claiming to be from banks, the IRS, Social Security, or insurance companies asking for "verification" of the deceased's information or your own. Fake charity solicitations after an obituary. Fake probate attorneys or heir hunters. Rule: never respond to unsolicited contact…
What this usually means
Fake emails claiming to be from banks, the IRS, Social Security, or insurance companies asking for "verification" of the deceased's information or your own. Fake charity solicitations after an obituary. Fake probate attorneys or heir hunters. Rule: never respond to unsolicited contact by providing personal information. Initiate all contact yourself using verified phone numbers.
What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county phone numbers for coroner, vital records, and local offices.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.